If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the U.S. can be expensive and arduous.
This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.
So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Norfolk, VA.
At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.
Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.
Using a trademark attorney for filing in Norfolk, VA, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.
In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:
1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.
2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.
3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.
The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.
It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.
The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.
Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:
Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.
Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.
Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.
Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.
Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.
Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.
Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.
Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.
Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Norfolk, VA.
Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.
In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.
For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.
Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Norfolk, VA can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.
The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.
Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.
During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.
After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.
It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.
By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Norfolk, VA, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.
In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.
In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.
If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.
To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.
It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.
Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.
At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.
It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.
When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.
Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.
In summary:
Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.
With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.
If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.
Are you seeing snow? Here's the latest on the forecast, school closures and road conditions:More VideosNORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads saw bits of snow flurries Tuesday morning that have since transitioned into rain.Norfolk and other areas in the Southside saw flurries, while the Eastern Shore, Middle Peninsula...
Are you seeing snow? Here's the latest on the forecast, school closures and road conditions:
NORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads saw bits of snow flurries Tuesday morning that have since transitioned into rain.
Norfolk and other areas in the Southside saw flurries, while the Eastern Shore, Middle Peninsula, and Northern Neck were expected to see the highest impacts.
Tuesday kicked off three days filled with rain. Cooler temperatures are bringing us a wintry mix on Tuesday.
The Peninsulas and Eastern Shore will hover at or below freezing through the day, so more winter weather is expected in those areas.
For the Southside, temperatures are likely to hover around or above freezing where rain/mixing and some wet snow are expected.
Temperatures will continue to rise, eventually allowing for the majority of the area to transfer over to rain. By this evening, most of the area should transition to cold rain, wiping most of the accumulations from any snow.
Because we are forecasting wet snow across the area, accumulations will range from a dusting to up to an isolated 2 inches of snow.
The highest snowfall accumulation will occur on the Middle Peninsula and the Eastern Shore, where 2-4" of snow is possible.
However, the rain will help to wash away some of the snow accumulation.
Williamsburg-James City County, Middlesex County and Southampton County have all closed school for Tuesday.
Some divisions, like York County, are opting for a remote learning day.
Here's a full list of closures and delays in Hampton Roads.
Road conditions may be slick, so it is important to give yourself some extra time out on the roadways for your evening commute.
If you don't have to travel on Tuesday, it's best to stay at home!
You can view our live traffic cam here.
As most of the winter weather impacts Northern and Southwest Virginia, the Virginia National Guard is on standby. About 65 soldiers are staged and ready at facilities along the I-95 and Route 29 corridors.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Northern Neck, Accomack County, and areas north of Richmond Tuesday.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for Northampton County (Eastern Shore), Middle Peninsula, the northern half of the Peninsulas, and the western Southside. In those areas, we could see up to 2" of snow and a glaze of ice.
Virginia is currently under a state of emergency.
RELATED: Understanding a 'State of Emergency': how it benefits the state in advance of a winter storm
Northern areas will see snow changeover to rain this evening, but slick spots will remain on roadways.NORFOLK, Va. — The "winter" portion of today's winter storm is is transitioning to rain this evening, but snow is still coming down over portions of the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck and Eastern Shore. Wintry weather has changed to rain in most spots, with some snow on the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck and Eastern Shore. With more warm air moving in, most areas should change over to rain by midnight....
Northern areas will see snow changeover to rain this evening, but slick spots will remain on roadways.
NORFOLK, Va. — The "winter" portion of today's winter storm is is transitioning to rain this evening, but snow is still coming down over portions of the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck and Eastern Shore. Wintry weather has changed to rain in most spots, with some snow on the Middle Peninsula, Northern Neck and Eastern Shore. With more warm air moving in, most areas should change over to rain by midnight.
The Eastern Shore, Middle Peninsula, and Northern Neck have seen the biggest impacts today with a longer period of wintry weather. Road conditions may be slick tonight, so it is important to give yourself some extra time out on the roadways.
READ MORE: Gov. Youngkin declares State of Emergency ahead of winter storm approaching Virginia
Evening (5 pm and beyond)
Snow Accumulation Through the Day
Snow totals are coming in, and most areas on the Southside and North Carolina saw rain. Even areas on the peninsula that have picked up a dusting to an inch have seen the transition to rain wash away much of the snow. The highest snowfall accumulations have been on the Middle Peninsula and the Eastern Shore, where 2-4" of snow has fallen so far.
Credit: 13News Now
Winter Storm Watches and Warnings
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Northern Neck, Accomack County, and areas north of Richmond Tuesday evening. The Winter Storm Warning is also in effect for western Virginia. In those areas, we could see more than 6" of snow.
Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for Northampton County (Eastern Shore), the Middle Peninsula, and the northern half of the Peninsulas. Some additional mixing with rain is possible in these areas this evening before a complete changeover to rain.
Credit: 13News Now
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk's skyline is about to look a lot different, with massive cruise ships once again towering over the waterfront.Tuesday, the 3,700-passenger Carnival Sunshine will embark on 2025's first weekly cruise vacation offered from the city's Half Moone cruise center. It's the start of Norfolk's first-ever year-round cruise offering.Watch: Norfolk city council approves measure to enhance Carnival Cruise operations“We’re expecting close to 300,000 passengers (total)," said ...
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk's skyline is about to look a lot different, with massive cruise ships once again towering over the waterfront.
Tuesday, the 3,700-passenger Carnival Sunshine will embark on 2025's first weekly cruise vacation offered from the city's Half Moone cruise center. It's the start of Norfolk's first-ever year-round cruise offering.
Watch: Norfolk city council approves measure to enhance Carnival Cruise operations
“We’re expecting close to 300,000 passengers (total)," said Rehn Saunders, Director of Marketing and Development for Nauticus, which operates the city's cruise terminal. “We’ll see a ship in port every week so this is going to be huge. The days vary, whether it’s a Saturday or a Sunday, that the Carnival Sunshine in particular is coming in. We’ll also have throughout the year port of call ships, so that could be Viking, Princess.”
After more than 250,000 cruisers came through in 2023 — a record passenger commitment at the time — Saunders says it became clear that Half Moone was not ready for the all-year service already in the works for '25.
Service was intentionally slowed in 2024 (minus the sudden addition of cruise ships diverted from Baltimore to Norfolk following the Key Bridge collapse) to allow for a $12 million renovation of the terminal.
The main differences passengers will notice include a new ramp for getting on or off the ship, along with a new U.S. Customs and Border Patrol checkpoint.
“Getting on and off the ship. It’s gonna be quicker," insists Saunders, who adds that outside patio areas and the traffic loop in front of Nauticus are still in line for improvements.
The latter project, she says, is a joint effort with the city to ensure traffic around the terminal is as streamlined as possible.
Watch: Terminal renovations nearly complete as Norfolk prepares for first year-round cruise offering
A Norfolk city spokesperson tells News 3 that the Cedar Grove lot at Monticello Avenue and Virginia Beach Boulevard, over a mile away, will once again serve as parking for cruise passengers who will then be bused to and from the terminal.
That's where area hotels are stepping in to offer what are referred to as "park-and-cruise" options — for passengers who stay the night in Downtown Norfolk before boarding the ship.
Lacy Peterson manages the Glass Light hotel less than two blocks from Nauticus. She says giving people a place to park that's a lot closer gives them one or two fewer things to worry about.
“We’re offering the park-and-cruise package. They’re going to stay here, they’re going to park here. We’re going to offer valet service for them, we’re going to offer them breakfast in morning before they get on the ship," Peterson told News 3.
It's a perk the hotel has offered in previous years too and Peterson says it's once again proving popular with cruise passengers trying to get ahead of the game.
“[We're booking] all the way out to October," she said.
According to Nauticus, the average cruise passenger spends $125 dollars in the city, whether it's before or after leaving on the ship. Visit Norfolk, the city's tourism office, tells News 3 that it's predicting year-round cruise service to have a $19 million economic impact.
"We have launched a full 'Cruise Norfolk' section on the VisitNorfolk website that highlights everything from the cruise schedule, cruise hotel packages and things to do before and after your cruise," said VisitNorfolk spokesperson Sarah Hughes in a statement to News 3, adding that the page is the most visited on the website. "The VN team has been also working with Nauticus and Carnival on a Travel Agent FAM that is happening at the end of the month for travel agents to explore Norfolk and do a site inspection on the ship."
Just a block from the terminal is the popular Granby Street and its dozens of restaurants, bars, hotels and other businesses. Restaurant The Stockpot is on Plume Street, which crosses Granby and runs right into Nauticus. In year's past, the staff there says it's not surprising for passengers to wander in.
“We got a lot of different people from different areas of the world that come in through the cruises. Now, especially with it being a year-round schedule and all different types of areas, (we're) hoping to be able to partner with some other local businesses," said Amber Kostka, Chief Operating Officer for the restaurant's three locations. “It really, really helps a small business like ours to be able to capitalize on just, you know, an extra ten to 15 tables.”
That especially comes in handy, she says, during the typically-slow winter months, which, unlike previous years, will now see cruise service.
But business owners and the people facilitating the new cruises are quick to not let a 100,000-pound Carnival Sunshine put on too much pressure.
“We can’t wait to learn as the year goes on what else we can do to improve the experience for these visitors," said Saunders.
Click HERE for more information about the Carnival Sunshine's cruise offerings out of Norfolk.
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What is the best internet provider in Norfolk?Cox Communications is the best internet service provider for most households in Norfolk. Cox offers the fastest speeds in the area, and its wide coverage makes it accessible to most residents. If that provider isn’t available at your address, ...
Cox Communications is the best internet service provider for most households in Norfolk. Cox offers the fastest speeds in the area, and its wide coverage makes it accessible to most residents. If that provider isn’t available at your address, Verizon Fios and T-Mobile Home Internet are solid ISPs offering good overall value.
Metronet offers one of the cheapest internet plans in Norfolk for $35 per month. However, eligible T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon Home Internet customers can receive a discount on their monthly internet service, which drops their bill $35 per month. For those with a need for speed, check out Cox’s 2 gigabits per second plan for $120 a month, which doesn’t require a contract or equipment add-ons.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The average starting price for internet in Norfolk is around $44, but there are a couple of options under that price if you’re looking to pay the least amount of money each month on home broadband. Metronet’s base plan costs $35 monthly for up to 150Mbps. However, eligible mobile customers under T-Mobile or Verizon can receive a $15 to $25 discount each month, lowering your bill to only $35.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The best internet deals and top promotions in Norfolk depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Norfolk internet providers, such as Cox and Spectrum may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including Verizon and T-Mobile, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
The nearby city of Richmond places among the bottom five for the fastest broadband speeds across the US. So how does Norfolk stack up? According to Ookla Speedtest data, Norfolk’s median download speed is 300Mbps, much faster than Richmond’s 253Mbps. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
If you're looking for service faster than the city’s median speed, consider Cox’s or Verizon's 2,000Mbps plan, costing $120 and $110 per month respectively. Spectrum, Metronet and Verizon also offer gigabit speeds, but it depends on which providers are available at your household.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. So what's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn't end there. We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
In Norfolk, fiber internet through Verizon Fios, Metronet and Cox is available in only a small percentage of addresses, so you may be unable to access it. Instead, Cox's cable service is your best bet, offering faster speeds and wider coverage than Verizon does.
"Now, we as clinicians are stuck saying 'so sorry' to our clients we’ve seen for years in crisis," said counselor Alice Conner.NORFOLK, Va. — A recent change to claims processing through Humana Military, the primary healthcare program used by active duty military, has led to weeks of unpaid insurance claims for mental health providers across Hampton Roads.13News Now received messages from mental health counselors that providers within TRICARE East, underneath Humana Military, are sitting on weeks of unpaid...
"Now, we as clinicians are stuck saying 'so sorry' to our clients we’ve seen for years in crisis," said counselor Alice Conner.
NORFOLK, Va. — A recent change to claims processing through Humana Military, the primary healthcare program used by active duty military, has led to weeks of unpaid insurance claims for mental health providers across Hampton Roads.
13News Now received messages from mental health counselors that providers within TRICARE East, underneath Humana Military, are sitting on weeks of unpaid insurance claims for the entire month of January.
13News Now confirmed that on January, 1 2025, Humana Military switched the company it utilizes for claims processing from WPS Health Insurance to PGBA.
Since then, licensed professional counselors and mental health clinicians may not have been paid for client services, based on a new reporting requirement through PGBA.
"Now, we as clinicians are stuck saying 'so sorry' to our clients we’ve seen for years in crisis. That, 'okay, we can’t see you because your insurance is denying every claim.' It's absolutely unfair," said Alice Conner, who is a mental health counselor based out of Virginia Beach.
Conner, who estimates between a third to half of her clients are covered under TRICARE, says she's sitting on more than dozen claims for the month of January that have not been resolved. She says it equals thousands of dollars, and that many mental health clinicians in the region are experiencing the same dilemma.
Starting January 1, claims must be signed off by a licensed physician or physiatrist, a requirement that Conner says has never been implemented before. Without that authorization, claims since the new year have been denied.
"That’s unheard of. That’s not required. We’re licensed and independent, the TRICARE policy says that’s not required. Never has been required, suddenly we make that a new rule," Conner says.
A spokesperson for Humana Military responded:
We acknowledge that our typical timeframes for processing claims have been delayed as a result of this major system transition, however, as of today, a very small percentage of claims submitted (0.4%) have gone beyond our contractual payment timeframe of 30 days.
Claims have started flowing through the processing systems and payments have begun. We do continue to work urgently through the remaining systems issues. At this time, we anticipate those remaining issues will be fixed in the next couple of weeks.
Another mental health clinician based in eastern Virginia, who wished not to be identified, said this change is having an "enormous ripple effect on clinicians and service members."
"Clinicians will begin to have to stop taking new TRICARE clients, which I have done, and then pause services for TRICARE clients until payments are restored," they said.
Currently, Conner said many counselors may be forced to stop seeing TRICARE clients unless they pay out of pocket for their appointments. However, clients may be forced to stop seeking help in return, because of an inability to afford mental health care on their own without coverage.
“They cannot afford out of pocket, and we can’t afford pro bono. We have to keep the lights on, pay our own families. It leaves us in a heartbreaking situation as clinicians," she said.
The Humana spokesperson added they are sending advance payments to the "most vulnerable providers" who have submitted claims.
13News Now is awaiting a response back from PGBA.